STOREDGE has received an important scientific recognition at the 18th International Heat Transfer Conference (IHTC18), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2–7 August 2026.
Representing the project, Khushwant Singh Chauhan from the University of Twente, STOREDGE’s coordinating organisation, presented the paper “Multiphysics Modeling of a Moving Bed Reactor for Ca(OH)₂/CaO Thermochemical Energy Storage System”, which received the Best Poster Award at the conference.
The presented research focuses on the development of a novel direct-contact moving bed reactor for thermochemical energy storage, using a calcium hydroxide/calcium oxide system. The proposed reactor incorporates an inclined heat transfer fluid inlet designed to improve gas-solid contact and heat distribution throughout the reactor.
This configuration also aims to minimise stagnant zones and reduce particle agglomeration, supporting smoother solids flow and more stable reactor operation over repeated charging and discharging cycles.
To evaluate the proposed concept, the research team developed a strongly coupled multiphysics model that integrates heat transfer, fluid flow, species transport, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamic equilibrium. This comprehensive modelling approach provides valuable insights into the reactor’s behaviour and its potential performance under different operating conditions.
The results demonstrated particularly strong performance during the charging process, with the reactor achieving nearly 98% conversion and showing a uniform propagation of the thermal front through the bed. During discharging, the reverse reaction also achieved high conversion while maintaining a stable temperature profile, indicating efficient heat recovery and effective utilisation of the reactor.
These findings contribute directly to STOREDGE’s broader ambition to advance innovative thermochemical energy storage technologies that can support long-duration energy storage, efficient heat recovery, and the decarbonisation of industrial energy systems.
The Best Poster Award at IHTC18 represents an important recognition of the scientific work being carried out within STOREDGE and highlights the project’s contribution to the development of next-generation thermal energy storage solutions.
Congratulations to Khushwant Singh Chauhan and the research team on this achievement!
